Village Required: Why Perinatal Mental Health is Everyone’s Business
with Janelle Watson
Stories to Solutions
In this conversation, perinatal mental health expert Janelle Watson shares her expertise and passion for supporting individuals throughout their perinatal journey. The discussion explores the often overlooked challenges of mental health before, during, and after pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of community support, authentic communication, and proper healthcare.
Janelle explains that the perinatal period extends from pre-pregnancy through approximately one year postpartum, though its effects can be lifelong. She emphasizes prevention and whole-picture thinking in her approach to mental health care, having transitioned from sexual health education to therapy to provide more individualized support.
The interview highlights critical issues including:
1- The fear many have about discussing perinatal mental health concerns
2- The misconception that postpartum struggles always lead to harm
3- The importance of warm referrals between healthcare providers
4- The need for grounded, present-focused care rather than judgment
5- The significant disparities in maternal healthcare for Black women and transgender individuals
6- The value of authentic storytelling in normalizing diverse perinatal experiences
Janelle explains that the perinatal period extends from pre-pregnancy through approximately one year postpartum, though its effects can be lifelong. She emphasizes prevention and whole-picture thinking in her approach to mental health care, having transitioned from sexual health education to therapy to provide more individualized support.
The interview highlights critical issues including:
1- The fear many have about discussing perinatal mental health concerns
2- The misconception that postpartum struggles always lead to harm
3- The importance of warm referrals between healthcare providers
4- The need for grounded, present-focused care rather than judgment
5- The significant disparities in maternal healthcare for Black women and transgender individuals
6- The value of authentic storytelling in normalizing diverse perinatal experiences
In this conversation, perinatal mental health expert Janelle Watson shares her expertise and passion for supporting individuals throughout their perinatal journey. The discussion explores the often overlooked challenges of mental health before, during, and after pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of community support, authentic communication, and proper healthcare.
Janelle explains that the perinatal period extends from pre-pregnancy through approximately one year postpartum, though its effects can be lifelong. She emphasizes prevention and whole-picture thinking in her approach to mental health care, having transitioned from sexual health education to therapy to provide more individualized support.
The interview highlights critical issues including:
1- The fear many have about discussing perinatal mental health concerns
2- The misconception that postpartum struggles always lead to harm
3- The importance of warm referrals between healthcare providers
4- The need for grounded, present-focused care rather than judgment
5- The significant disparities in maternal healthcare for Black women and transgender individuals
6- The value of authentic storytelling in normalizing diverse perinatal experiences
Janelle explains that the perinatal period extends from pre-pregnancy through approximately one year postpartum, though its effects can be lifelong. She emphasizes prevention and whole-picture thinking in her approach to mental health care, having transitioned from sexual health education to therapy to provide more individualized support.
The interview highlights critical issues including:
1- The fear many have about discussing perinatal mental health concerns
2- The misconception that postpartum struggles always lead to harm
3- The importance of warm referrals between healthcare providers
4- The need for grounded, present-focused care rather than judgment
5- The significant disparities in maternal healthcare for Black women and transgender individuals
6- The value of authentic storytelling in normalizing diverse perinatal experiences
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Links to Solutions
Community Support is Essential
Isolation amplifies perinatal mental health challenges. Creating a supportive village around birthing people and their partners can prevent issues from escalating and provide necessary practical and emotional support during this vulnerable time.
Listen and Validate Experiences:
Healthcare providers must truly listen to patients' concerns without judgment. As Janelle emphasizes, patients are the experts of their own bodies, and dismissing their experiences can have devastating consequences, particularly for marginalized communities.
Authentic Storytelling Breaks Stigma
Sharing real, unfiltered experiences of the perinatal journey—beyond just the "highlight reel"—helps normalize the challenges and reduces shame. This authenticity creates space for others to seek help without fear of judgment.
Meet Our Guest
Janelle Watson
Janelle Watson is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with certifications in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) and sex therapy (CST). She is the owner of Embrace Wellness, a private practice that offers specialized mental health services, including therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Janelle is also the Director of Education and Experience at Growing Generations. Her work focuses on fostering wellness through supportive therapeutic relationships and specialized mental health services, particularly for the LGBTQI+ community and those experiencing life transitions.
Connect to Dr. Katharine Simon
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justembracewellness
Website - https://www.justembracewellness.com/
Maternal Mental Health Now: https://maternalmentalhealthnow.org/
Maternal Mental Health Now Instagram: instagram.com/maternalmentalhealthnow
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
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